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From isolation to inspiration: VR brings new hope to care in Wales

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VIRTUAL REALITY is being used in Pembrokeshire and across west Wales to combat loneliness, lift mood and improve patient care.

As part of the Bevan Exemplar programme, Sarah Beauclerk, Director of Vere Experiences CIC, has been leading two pioneering projects in collaboration with Hywel Dda University Health Board and Pembrokeshire County Council.

Supporting older people

The VR Inclusive Mental Health Interventions (VRIMHI) project was set up with the Pembrokeshire Older Adult Community Mental Health Team to help older people struggling with low mood. Sessions were designed to improve wellbeing, reduce relapses and provide a “safe space” for patients.

Originally planned as home visits, the scheme shifted to group sessions during Mental Health Awareness Week – proving so successful that they continue every fortnight, alongside home visits for those unable to attend.

Three years on, VRIMHI is still running. Evaluation shows participants report an average mood improvement of nearly three points on a ten-point scale, with longer-term benefits also recorded. One patient described it as “my safe space,” while staff said demand for lighter-touch follow-up sessions is growing.

Connecting care homes

The Connecting Realities project brought VR into local care homes. Feedback showed that 80% of residents experienced mood improvement, with some effects lasting long after the sessions. Staff noted that the visits lifted the atmosphere of entire living rooms.

One resident, usually withdrawn, surprised staff by singing Wonderful World during a session, which a supporter described as a “miraculous reaction.”

The team now coordinate nearly 50 headsets across wards, community care and palliative services. In one case, a lifelong Liverpool FC fan was able to tour Anfield virtually just before she passed away – a powerful memory for her and her carer.

Backed by the Bevan Exemplar

Bevan Exemplar status gave the projects credibility and opened doors at health board and council level. Mentors including Mark Briggs (Cardiff and Vale UHB) and Mark Griffiths (Public Health Wales) provided vital support.

Sarah is now working with Public Health Wales on CarerVR, a new project using first-person VR to help unpaid carers build skills and reduce injury risks. The scheme is already being rolled out locally, with interest from care homes and plans to pilot VR booths in GP surgeries.

The projects have not only improved outcomes for patients but also boosted staff morale, strengthening relationships between carers, residents and families.

Sarah said that the key lesson for future innovators is simple: “Keep your reason at the heart of what you do, and take it step by step. If you hold on to your inspiration, you can overcome challenges and create real change.”

 

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

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A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

 

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Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

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A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

 

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Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

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YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.

 

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